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The Goderich Signal-Star, 1986-05-28, Page 41 PAGE 4 —GODERICH SIGNAL -STAR. WEDNESDAY. MAY 28. 1986 Have you ever had one of those days? Well, I'm having one of those decades. That may be a slight exaggeration of my plight but for today, and probably tomorrow and the next day, I feel put upon. If I had a dog, I would go home and bite the beast. Perhaps that gives you an ac- curate indication of my temperrnent and mood. Right now I feel that life is pitching me high and inside and it's just not fair. But it's getting increasingly difficult to be miserable these days what with people ac- ting cheerful and trying to maintain a positive approach to life. Try and nurture a good bitch and people will shatter all that negativity with a blast of inspiration and motivational bon mots. There were ominous signs that the week would get off to a bad start as the sun shone DAVE SYKES brightly Monday morning after a week of rain. I think it's part of the working agree- ment that weekends and days off are meant to be dull and boring weather-wise. Regardless, to the point of the matter. On Monday evening I wrote an exerri, an exer- cise I had managed, on purpose, to avoid for the past 10 or 12 years. I had ultimately assumed, and wrongly so., that life after col- lege would be bereft of exams. homework, studying and all that other mind -stimulating stuff. Toil on your favorite weekly had previous- ly provided all the stimulation and mind- expanding opportunities this correspondent could contemplate. What with photographic opportunities at Brownie enrolment, rewriting the bridge scores and harbour report, attending endless council meetings....well, a fellow can only stand a certain amount of stimulation. If I phased the community news properly, the stimulation quota was rarely exceeded. But, I had to be careful just the same. But the test proved to be more than stimulating on this occasion and the adult version of examination writing brought b bad memories of high-school crani ses- siolrs, sweaty palms and the realization that you'd gambled and lost by reviewing the wrong material. Of course, once the examination is turned in, the questions all wreak of logic and answers flow through the brain like water from the tap. Everything is easy in retrospect. With the exam out of the way, and know- ing that questions had been wrongly inter- preted the ride from London was unpleasant enough without having to deal with a flat tire. Having barely plied its plys for a year, the left rear tire decided to dispense with its1� quota of air scant seconds after I had passed_ a massive truck at excessive speeds. 1 wasn't in the right frame of mind to drab with the situation and I knew my problems; were compounded when I removed the jack and spare tire from the bowels of the trunk. The tire resembled something your kid , would put on a homemade go-cart and as I ,`held this miniature version of a tire. 'I felt sadly cheated. But the tire fared well in comparison to the jack provided to elevate the car. 1 was convinced the device would barely raise my ; son's Tonka collection let alone provide the leverage to.allow a tire change. The instruc- tions did little to alleviate my frustration and were as explicitly vague as the exam. , The job got done, barely and now I'm just waiting for the third strike. .Opinion 11.01111. THE NEWS PORT FOR GODERI6H & DISTRICT SINCE 1848 the O I1CbS 1 G Q /MT ALL ROUND COMMUNITY N.WUPAPOP IN CANADA iCriimuon CAA 3500 45001C C A SAM, Now,popor Cu',p,LGon 1984 P.O. BOX 220 HUCKINS BT. INDUSTRIAL PARK 000ERICH, ONT. N7A 4B8 PUBLISHED BY SIGNAL -STAR PUBLISHING LIMITED Founded In 9840 and published every Wednesday et Oodsrloh, Ontario. Member of the CCNA end OCNA. Subscriptions payable In advent.. 020.00, /Senior Citizen. 010.00 privilege pard number required) In Caned., 000.00 to U.S.A., 000.170 to e11 other countries, Bingle poples 00C. Display, Notional End Classified advertising rater available on request. Pleas. oak for Rate Card No. 913 effective October 1, 9900. Advertising Is accepted on the condition that In the event of ■ typographical error, the .dv.rtl.ing spade occupied by the .rronaouo Item, together with the reesonoble allowance for signgturs, will not be charged for but that balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applloable rate. In the event of • typographical advertising goods or services at a wrong pries, &oda or services msy not be sold. Advertising 1. merely en offer to ..11, and may be withdrawn at any time. The Signal -Star is not responsible for the loss or damag• of unsolicited menu.orlpt., photos or other n.fterlels used for reproducing purposes. General Manager SHIRLEY J. KELLER Editor DAVE SYKES Advertising Manager DON HUBICK FOR BUSINESS OR EDITORIAL OFFICES...please phone [619]624-2B14 Second class mail registration number 0716 Member `% A An investment in people When it comes to government spending, taxpayers can often become cynical and even skeptical of the government's apparent prodigal spending habits. While governments, at all levels, have at least attempted to address the issue of cutbacks and restraint, there is always the nagging fear that tax money is spent in random fashion without"regard for amounts. I • ' - It would be pure folly for a taxpayer to think it's never happened. Both the federal and provincial governments, over the last decade or two, have been heavily involved in make-work and retraining programs to alleviate unemployment and critical skilled -labour shortages. Many of these programs have only addressed the problems on a short-term basis offering participants little in the way of future employment or training. It, was refreshing that Employment and Immigration Minister Flora MacDonald got a first-hand look at one of her ministry's major employment programs in Goderich last Thursday. In co-operation with Employment Canada, Champion has established a technology train- ing centre ar:ii Gra,. , plant and is in the process of training 118 people for skilled trades. While all of those trainees will not be absorbed by Champion, many of those workers will in- deed begin a new career with the grader manufacturer and others will have, at least, gained some valuable training and on-the-job experience. The federal government is spending $2.5 million here to help Champion set up the technology training centre and subsidize the wages of the 118 employees. MacDonald was impressed with what she here last Thursday and was genuinely pleased with the ambitious program her minsitry helped establish.. The Job Development Programs at Champion are the largest administered by the federal government. Under the terms of the program, a total of 118 candidates are recieving training at the centre but the bulk of their work week is spent applying their practical and classr000m training in real work situations at the company's main plant. When the 49 -week training ses- sion is complete, many of these employees will be able to assume positions with the company. The program has enabled Champion to downscale its operation in Columbia, South Carolina while consolidating a major portion of its manufacturing in Goderich. It also helps alleviate a shortageof skilled workers. A company spokesman told MacDonald that Champion would not have hired 80 per cent of the people it now has in training, if the federal government had not intervened with funding. And the 118 trainees, chosen from over 230 candidates, would not have received valuable training and work experience. And, in many cases, full-time employment. Most often, ministers simply don't get the opportunity to see the value of their ministry's programs. They don't get the opportunity to meet the people who are taking advantage of the program and making lifelong careers out of the chance. It was a valuable trip for the minister and no doubt she will long remember the personal contact with people who had almost lost hope of pursuing a career in manufacturing or even lost hope of securing a job. These kinds of programs will have a lasting effect and provide for the long-term needs of both the employer and the employee. Also, Champion now has a facility tO aid in retraining many of its existing employees while exploring new technology. The opening of the technology training centre was an auspicious way for the company to launch its second decade in business. And it is proof positive that government and industrj' can work together in d positive manner. D.S. Lipizzan Lovers by Susan Hundertmarl� Reader gets the runaround when reporting a raid animal. Dear Editor: I trust this message to our public will be just a little "thought provoking!" Do you remember the warnings of your parents, regarding the danger of meeting a stray animal? Many a time I was made aware, through school, media, family and friends, the dangers of one of society's well publicized concerns: rabies. As children, we were taught to be aware of the symptoms of rabid animals, and, at.aii costs, to avoid stray dogs and cats. I am also sure everyone has had opportunity to hear or experience at least one case of a.,human, being bitten or attacked by a "rapid" animal, and the treatment given for such a deadly disease. Do we realize the seriousness of rabies? Recently, I was involved with the cir- cumstances regarding a suspected rabid animal. I was very surprised to learn that only one half of all domesticated cats and dogs, have been immunized for rabies. Why is it, that if people feel it necessary to own a pet, they fail to properly care for it? Many rules and regulations have been en - LETTERS forced pertaining to health and welfare of Canadians. Why has not a regulation to im- munize for rabies been put into effect? (Mr. Jack Riddell has already been contacted.) In dealing with a suspected rabies case, I certainly became aware of . �,,.. the "red tape" involved. How sad, to know that so few people paid to protect the well-being of others, are so neglectful in their responsibilities. I got the feeling, that no one wanted to be directly in- volved in the apprehension of this animal. As a citizen of Ontario, I feel that for something such as rabies, which, is so open- ly made known to the public that it's a pro- blem to control, I would think that top priori- ty, after all details taken on the animal's condition be given to ensure the safety of our lives. Through research I found that in 1980, 86 percent of all rabies cases in Canada, were in Southern Ontario, alone. This is nii. something to overlook! Through seVeral contacts and sever: more "dead -ends", I became increasing` involved with this rabies case. Afte,sper ding five days previously, trying to have se meone in authority pick up this animal, contacted our local veterinarian, for advic•t Unfortunately, through all the run-aroun givin by authorities, eight days elastic before any decision was received regar•din the state of the animal. Why did so many contacted people i th4• Health Unit, Police, Human Society, Asim.illp ' Control, Medical officers and many more take so long to pick up one dotnesticategl animal, when a scared, stray ground h1i loses itslife within 15 minutes of a call to ou• Goderich Police. What is the difference? I feel some answers inust be provided. I wonder. how quickly some of these authoritative people would act if their• own lives or loved ones were in jeopardy, because of a rabid animal? Thank you for this opportunity to share a concern. , Klin Coltek- Blooming Project open to everyone Many people may have heard of the "Mayor's Blooming Contest" by now, but we would just like to invite the general public to participate in this project. If you are too shy to enter yourself, then by all ,means, let your neighbour enter your. gardening efforts. It is open to all residents and businesses within the town limits and the deadline for entry is June 30th. An out-of-town judge will select the win- ners and there will be prizes and gift cer- tificates donated by various businesses and individuals. Photgraphs will be taken of the entries at different times during the sum- mer and will be; displayed at the Awards Ceremony and used for future promotion of the contest. Winners will be notified in advance of Awards Night, but all entrants will be in- vited to attend the festivities in September. We encourage children to enter their garden plot, window box or special corner as there will be special prizes for children's entries. The three categories are: 1. Residential 2. Commercial/Industrial and 3.Window Box/Balcony. Entry forms can be found at the Town Hall, the Recreation Office at the Grandstand building or call 524-2125 and en- try will be arranged. If you have a time limited flower display, let us know and ar- rangements for judging will be made. The Town of Goderich Parks Department and the Goderich Garden Club under the patronage of Mayor Eileen Palmer, invite you to take part in this worthwhile civic pro- ject. It can be fun for your whole family, will enhance the appearance of your horse or business and will help to keep this the "Pret- tiest Town in Canada". Yours'I'ruly, The Committe for "The Mayor's Blooming Contest" GDCI jazz choir does GQderich Youth are deserving 86 says reader Quite often young people are not given the credit they d_.._ve and theyouth of this court. ffl'ou(1 at Ixpo' try have argued that they are often portrayed in a bad light in the media. Certainly, there is much that our young people have to offer and they contribute greatly to the quality of life in our community and in communities across the nation. The contributions of our young people are many, varied and impressive. Our future is committed to the hands of 'these young people, and they have shown they are equal to the challenge. Recognizing the contribution of youth, for several years the Ontario Community Newspaper Association (OCNA) has made Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year awards. Last week an advertisement in this paper asked readers if they knew a young person who went the extra mile? If you know someone in the community, between the ages of 6 and 18 years, who has gone that extra mile let us know. rid you know someone who has shown selfless service, resourcefulness,'ingenuity, or acts of courage- that "good kid'? Is there someone, special that you believe is deserving of recognition? Well you can help Canadian Pacific Airlines and the Ontario Community Newspaper Associption honour these kids by nominating them for an Ontario Junior Citizen of the Year Award. Each year the association honours several young people as Junior Citizens of the Year with special presentations at the group's annual convention in Toronto in February. Reci- pients receive a plaque, a cash prize, a family photo portrait with Ontario's Lieutenant Governor, Lineoln Alexander, and a lapel pin. Let's celebrate the .positive aspects of our youth, Nominate a junior citizen. l ntry for'rns are available at this newspaper, r� Dear Editor, We would 'like to take this opportunity to praise the efforts of the Jazz Choir from the Goderich District Collegiate Institute on their recent competition at Expo '86 in Vancouver Coincidentally only, we were attending the fair at that time and enjoyed the for- tuitous advantage of witnessing this fine event. The feeling of pride in our community fostered by the performance of these young ambassadors of Goderich, was quite ex- traordinary. Imagine yourself on the water- front in Vancouver, seated in a magnificent Cabaret at Expo '86 (the largest Cabaret in the Country!) surrounded by ,a grand display of neon lights — then place a stage in front centre, graced with professional theatre lighting and sound components — then, announce the appearance of a Jazz Choir from GODERICH, Ontario! No resident of this town could help but hold back a tear, an emotion enhanced even further by the superlative performance to wn)ch we were tfleu treated by our yuunr, representatives, To their conductor, Mrs. Eleanor Robin- son, the Chaperones, Mr. Hugh McGregor, Mr. Bill Wark, Mr. Warren Robinson, Mrs. Barb Almasi and all the young people in- volVed - a sincere Thank You for giving u' both a very special memory of our trip to Expo '86, and for providing the town of Goderich with some gratiutous West Coast exposure! Sincerely, Glen and Anne Carey Donations accepted dor fireworks Dear Editor: Fireworks, Just a reminder to all those wishing to make a donation, large or small, towards the purchase of extra fireWorks. I would appreciate these donations as soon as possible so thatI may adjust my order accordingly. I do have to ensure enough time is given Hand Chemical to supply our final needs at least two weeks before the display. Cheques should be payable to Town of Goderich Firework Fund. Conations can either be handed in at the Town Hall or the Police Station, attention to Pat King, Fireworks Chairman, Make a point of letting your friends and family come to Goderich on June 30 to enjoy our community and then, about 10:20 p.m our mammoth Fireworks Display at the South Pier. Yours truly Pat King; Fireworks Chairman